Skilled Migration Program Reform (2011-2012)

Tuesday, 16 May 2011

The Federal Government will implement a suite of regional migration initiatives together with a measured increase in permanent migration in 2011-12 to deliver on its broader economic and regional development priorities. About two-thirds of the increased migration program will be for skilled migrants to help fill critical skill needs, particularly in regional areas.

The figures for the 2011-12 Overall Migration Program planning level is set at 185 000, an increase of 16,300 places.

The Skill Stream will have an increase in 12 000 places with a maximum cap of 125,850 places. Majority of the increase is allocated to the Skilled-Independent (visa subclass 175) category.

As for the Family Stream, there will be an increase in 4050 places with a maximum cap of 58,600 places.  Majority of the increase is allocated to the Partner and Child categories.

The government will also fast-track permanent residency for temporary business (subclass 457) visa holders who have spent two years in regional Australia and where their employer will continue to sponsor them for a further two years. This will make it easier for 457 visa holders to remain in the region where they have been living and working.

Mr Bowen said in setting the size and composition of the migration program for 2011-12, and announcing recent reforms to skilled migration, the government has balanced the importance of maximising prosperity for all Australians, ensuring communities and regions are sustainable and maintaining job opportunities for local workers.

A new model will be introduced for selecting skilled migrants to better target Australia’s future skill needs and is expected to come into effect on 1 July 2012. The new system will be more focussed and efficient, demand-driven and tailored to employers’ needs.

Source: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/cb/2011/cb165287.htm